Motorcyclist, 25, Killed In U.S. 19 Crash

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal Wednesday afternoon crash that claimed the life of a 25-year-old New Port Richey man.

According to the agency, James Coles, 63, of Port Richey was traveling in the left turn lane of southbound U.S. 19 at the intersection of Commons Boulevard around 1:20 p.m. Jan. 11. At that time, a motorcycle driven by Coty Michael Ryhal was heading north in the center lane of U.S. 19, approaching the intersection.

As Ryhal approached the intersection, troopers say Coles made a U-turn in his Buick Rainier. The turn, a highway patrol report said, put him in the path of the oncoming bike. The motorcycle struck the right side of the Buick, the report said.

Ryhal was taken to a local hospital, but died from his injuries.

Charges are pending the outcome of the patrol’s investigation. Troopers say Ryhal was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol